At the fourth annual Egypt Mining Forum, held in Cairo on July 15–16, Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, highlighted the critical need to strengthen regional cooperation in the mining and minerals sector.
Speaking during a panel titled “Attracting Strategic Partners and Junior Exploration Companies to Drive Sustainable Growth in the Mining Sector,” Al-Mudaifer applauded Egypt’s integration of mining with downstream industries. He emphasized the untapped opportunities in East Africa and West Asia, describing the region as one of the least explored but most promising globally.
“With the right vision and integration between mining and industry — as demonstrated by the Kingdom’s experience — this region can deliver transformative development,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s Mining Success
Al-Mudaifer shared Saudi Arabia’s progress in developing its mining industry. Since 2019, the number of exploration companies in the Kingdom has grown from six to over 132, with 60% being startups. He highlighted the role of foreign investors and joint ventures, which now make up 70% of these companies, attributing this success to comprehensive regulatory reforms.
The Vice Minister noted the involvement of Egyptian service companies in Saudi Arabia and called for expanded cross-border cooperation. This includes strengthening supply chains, empowering SMEs, and increasing the sector’s impact on job creation and economic development.
Al-Mudaifer urged stakeholders to invest in integrated regional mining ecosystems that support collective success. He stressed the role of platforms like the Egypt Mining Forum and the Future Minerals Forum in aligning efforts across governments, investors, innovators, and service providers.
In his closing remarks, Al-Mudaifer announced that the fifth annual Future Minerals Forum will be held in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, 2026. He extended an invitation to continue strategic discussions, build partnerships, and realize the mineral potential of resource-rich regions including Africa, Central Asia, and West Asia.
Cooperation Opportunities
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Mudaifer held bilateral meetings with ministers, CEOs, and investors. Discussions centered on attracting investment, enhancing capabilities, and developing sustainable mining ecosystems both in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
The Egypt Mining Forum brought together global mining leaders, investors, and government officials, reinforcing its role as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation in the international mining sector.
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